“Panic Mode?”

The NBA had a matchup of last year’s finalists today. And boy was it an exciting rematch. This game had a little touch of Vinsanity, had some Dwight Howard on the glass, and the all around excitement of watching one of the game’s best in Kobe Bryant doing work. This game was a true nail biter and highly entertaining.

The Magic protected their home court despite a nice Laker’s run in the 4th. Some of the big storylines of the day as we creep closer and closer to the playoffs. Andrew Bynum saw what it takes to play with the NBA’s elite in the paint. Bynum was hampered by foul trouble all game and only hit one field goal. Not to mention his opponent secured 10 more rebounds than him. After a hot start this year, Bynum’s play and health have slowly deteriorated. Andrew needs to really step it up down the stretch if the Lake Show want to not only return to the Finals, but win a championship.

Vince Carter looked very strong today and gave the Magic another taste of Vinsanity. The Magic will really need Vince to come up big down the stretch if they want any chance at returning to the NBA Finals. Carter put up 25 points to lead his team in scoring on just 10 total shot attempts. The man got to the charity stripe today like it was his job.

Lastly, in a reoccurring theme for the Lake show during this very unusual 3 game skid, Kobe had to put up entirely too many shot attempts. They are much better off with Kobe taking between 18 and 20 shots in a game. When he shoots upwards of 30 shots, there is not enough team involvement which will show against a tough team like the Magic.

So is it time for the Lakers to panic? No way. Even with the 3 game losing streak and the hot play of the Mavericks, they still hold the 1 seed by a few games. Remember, the NBA season is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. This Laker’s squad has been through the fire and knows what it takes to win a title. I would never put my money against a guy like Phil Jackson, who has enough rings to cover all his fingers, or a guy like Kobe Bryant, who shows championship game intensity night in and night out.

Just be aware that teams like the Magic, Cavs, Hawks, and Celtics are forreal in the East. Any one of the 4 could come out and knock off the Western Conference Champion. Not to mention that the Mavs and Nuggets will both be tough teams for the Lakers to get by this year.

Games like today really get me hyped for the playoffs. I cannot wait for the stretch run.

So do you think the Lakers should be worried at all about this three game losing streak?